Infertility can be a frustrating and at times devastating problem for women. Wanting to start a family and having difficulty doing so can destroy a woman’s self-confidence. Additionally, it can diminish one’s sense of womanhood, particularly because of pressures from society. But infertility is actually a problem that many women are faced with, so by no means is any woman alone. Fortunately, it may be a problem that you don’t have to live with either. In many cases, infertility may be reversed, giving women everywhere the opportunity to conceive. If you are suffering from infertility or are concerned about infertility, infertility treatments may be able to help you. Read on to learn more about the top infertility treatment options.
Top Infertility Treatments:
- Fertility drugs
- Procedural Options
- Artificial Insemination
Fertility Drugs
Fertility drugs like Clomid can be tremendously effective in treating infertility in women. Also known as clomiphene citrate, Clomid has been used as an infertility treatment for over 40 years. For women who are not ovulating normally, Clomid works to block estrogen by releasing a hormones called GnRH, FSH, and LH. Together these hormones work to encourage your ovaries to make eggs. The drugs are taken for 5 days after a period and will start working in about a week. If Clomid does not work on its own, the doctor may introduce other hormone treatments in addition to encourage ovulation.
Highlights:
- Effective method for 40 years
- Encourages ovaries to make eggs
- Additional hormones can be added if needed
Procedures
If fertility drugs prove not to be a viable option, there are also a number of procedural options for infertility. Tubal cannulation is one option for women who have blockages in their fallopian tubes. The doctor inserts a catheter into the vagina that is guided by a wire. Using imaging such as an ultrasound or a x-ray, the blockage is opened up via the wire or a balloon attached to the catheter. Laroscopy is a procedure for endometriosis where tissue in the uterus lining grows outside the uterus, causing infertility. In a laparoscopy procedure, a small incision is made and a small scope is passed through to assist the surgeon in removing the tissue.
Highlights:
- Remove ovary blockages
- Surgery for endometriosis
- Minimally invasive procedures
Artificial Insemination
Artificial Insemination can often be effective in helping couples conceive. In situations where there is something physically wrong with the reproductive system or when a man has a lower sperm count, artificial insemination involves the insertion of sperm directly into the cervix, uterus or fallopian tubes. However, insemination of the uterus is the most common method. Women with a condition called unreceptive cervical mucus, may especially benefit from artificial insemination as it can prevent sperm from reaching the uterus.
Highlights:
- Addresses infertility in men and women
- Sperm inserted in cervix, uterus or fallopian tubes
- Good solution for unreceptive cervical mucous
Conclusion
Infertility is a difficult problem for many couples, particularly women who might feel damaged by infertility. However, with proven treatments for fighting infertility, there is almost always a way for people to have families.